Capitanich says Feb. inflation rate must not be read as a future trend

Cabinet Chief Jorge Capitanich today considered February’s consumer price index, which the INDEC statistics bureau yesterday revealed at 3.4 percent, must not be read as a future trend, rejecting some media outlets which linked it to January’s index and elaborated an annual forecast.

He reiterated consumer prices have stabilized in the last weeks, and urged analysts and economists to “have respect for the quality of figures elaborated by the government.”

In his daily press briefing, the head of staff informed credit cards resumed the possibility for consumers to pay for goods in 12 installments “and there are important campaigns to reduce the prices of home appliances.” However, he said, “that is not published on newspaper covers.”

He praised Argentina’s economic policy and an “active” prices policy which has achieved “stability.” And added: “The problem is political and is manages by opposition agents through hegemonic media and private analysts.”